HEART MOTIF CARDIGAN – OPEN CARDIGAN

HEART MOTIF CARDIGAN – OPEN CARDIGAN

Creating a heart motif open cardigan involves both knitting or crocheting techniques. Here is a step-by-step guide for knitting one:

Materials Needed:

1. Yarn: Choose a yarn suitable for cardigans (e.g., worsted weight).
2. Knitting Needles: Size appropriate for your yarn (check the yarn label).
3. Heart Motif Chart: You can find these online or create your own.
4. Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends.
5. Stitch Markers: To mark pattern repeats or important sections.
6. Scissors: For cutting yarn.

Basic Steps:

1. Gauge Swatch:

• Knit a swatch in the chosen yarn and needles to determine your gauge (stitches per inch). This ensures the cardigan will fit as intended.

2. Measurements and Sizing:

• Measure your bust, waist, and hips. Determine the desired length of the cardigan.
• Use a cardigan pattern as a base and adjust it to include heart motifs.

3. Pattern Selection:

• Choose a basic open cardigan pattern that fits your measurements. Sites like Ravelry or Knitty have free patterns.
• Modify the pattern to include the heart motifs. You can integrate the hearts into the main body or use them as accents.

4. Heart Motif Chart:

• Find or design a heart motif chart. This will be a grid where each square represents a stitch.
• Decide on the placement of the motifs on the cardigan.

5. Knitting the Cardigan:

• Back:
  1. Cast on the required number of stitches for your size.
  2. Knit in your chosen stitch pattern (e.g., stockinette) and incorporate the heart motifs as per the chart.
  3. Continue knitting until you reach the desired length, shaping the armholes and shoulders
  4. 1. according to the pattern.

• Front Panels:
  1. Cast on stitches for one front panel.
  2. Knit, incorporating heart motifs. Repeat for the other panel.
  3. Shape the neckline and armholes as per the pattern.
• Sleeves:
  1. Cast on stitches for the sleeves.
  2. Knit in pattern, adding heart motifs if desired.
  3. Shape the sleeves according to the pattern.
• Finishing:
  1. Sew the shoulder seams using the mattress stitch.
  2. Attach the sleeves to the body.
  3. Sew the side seams and sleeve seams.

6. Edging:

• Pick up stitches along the front edges and neck to create a neat border. You can knit a ribbed edge or a garter stitch edge.
• Bind off loosely to ensure the edge is flexible.

7. Blocking:

• Wet block or steam block your cardigan to even out stitches and ensure it fits perfectly.

Tips:

• Heart Motifs: For a beginner, it’s easier to use a simple heart chart. Advanced knitters can try more intricate designs.
• Yarn Selection: Choose a yarn that shows stitch definition well, so the heart motifs are visible.
• Customizing Fit: You can add waist shaping or length adjustments to better fit your body.

Example Heart Chart:

Each “X” represents a knit stitch in a contrasting color to form the heart shape.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to create a unique and personal heart motif open cardigan. Happy knitting!